Cleaning a washing machine

MRSMCAWBER

I have to use calgon powder as we live in such a hard water area..(but fortunately i got mine in germany for a fraction of the cost here)but every so often i pour white vinegar into the draw and put it on a hot wash (im like you and usually use a low temp)..and then when its done i put a wash on with dusters n bits in and run a wash through just to get rid of any smell and ive never had a problem..

Pink.

Hi cottel,

We have a thread that might help so I've merged your thread with it to keep all the suggestions together.

Also take a look at these older threads for more ideas:

Make your washing machine last longer & cheaper

Stinky washing machine!

Smelly Washing Machine!!!

Calgon, Limescale and Landfill

DON'T use Calgon!

Pink

debtworrier

rosy wrote: »

I just put a cupful of soda crystals in the drum, and fill the conditioner compartment with vinegar, then run it without any washing in at 90 degrees. Sorry I don't know if Lidl's have the vinegar or soda crystals though. I've bought my soda crystals from Tesco if that's any help, they were just over 50p for a packet I think.

Try Wilkinson's. That's where I found my soda crystals (and they had borax and Stardrops too!) it was about 50p for a 500g bag.

pjvenner

Talitha wrote: »

Hi,
I've been lurking for a while but only just registered - so thanks for all the fab tips I've picked up so far.
What I'm wondering is does anyone know something good for cleaning out the inside of your washing machine? We have soft water here so no problem with limescale but the drawer gats really gunked up and as for inside where the drawer goes when you look down :eek: Sometimes my washing comes out covered in gunk which I'm guessing is clogging up the inside of the machine.
What would you suggest?
Thanks.

I've had this problem, I think the gunk on your laundry is unrinsed detergent - Try smaller load. In a packed drum, the load can't move freely & therefore doesn't get rinsed (or cleaned I guess) as efficiently. Worked for me - best of luck.

liz105

Hi all

I have had a looked through the threads but cant find anything relating to this

washing machine could probably do with a wash itself, soap drawer is mucky and somehow its fabric softener compartment was filled with water after I last used it.

I think I recall something about soda crystals and a boil wash? is this right?

any suggestions please

Farway

Normally the soap drawer will pull out with a bit of gentle effort

Then wash under a running hot tap

Do read the instructions though in case you have the one machine where the drawer is not removable

Penelope_Penguin

Are these older threads any good to you?

WASHING MACHINE

Descaling with vinegar
It DIDN'T smell... but now it does
Smelly washing machine
Stinky washing machine

They're from the *Indexed Threads* thread (take a look at the top right of the Old Style front page.

HTH, Penny. x

daisyroots_2

Farway wrote: »

Normally the soap drawer will pull out with a bit of gentle effort

Then wash under a running hot tap

Do read the instructions though in case you have the one machine where the drawer is not removable

An old toothbrush is perfect for this job. While you're at it, clean out the filter as well. I was just prompted to do this today by another thread on OS. You usually find the filter in the front of the machine, a small door behind which is the round filter which you unscrew and rinse out every few months. It catches all the gunk and bits - you can often find a few coins, too.

liz105

thank you all. my washing machine is built in to the kitchen, so has a door and skirting board round it, making access nearly impossible.

reeeeaaally hoping it never breaks, would have to take one side of the kitchen apart to get at it!

also, any ideas on a slightly blackened door seal? will normal soda crystals on a boil wash do any good?

rach

i'm bumping this thread as i'm just going to put my WM on a hot wash with vinegar as it seems to be filling slowly at the moment....hope the pipes are not actually gunked with limescale that has been shifted cos i can't pull it out on my own!!!